Visiting some of India’s most renowned temples requires adherence to specific dress codes and etiquette. Here’s a guide to help you prepare for a respectful visit to these sacred sites.
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala (Andhra Pradesh)
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Avoid western attire that is too casual or revealing.
- Men: Traditional dhoti or pyjama with a shirt or kurta. Western clothing should be modest.
2. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar (Punjab)
- Men: Wear a simple kurta-pajama or trousers with a shirt. Head covering with a turban or scarf is mandatory.
- Women: Salwar kameez or modest western attire. Head covering is also required.
3. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
- Men: Dhoti or kurta-pajama. Western attire should be modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Western attire should cover the shoulders and knees.
4. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai (Tamil Nadu)
- Men: Dhoti or veshti with a shirt or kurta. Western clothing is acceptable if modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Western attire should be conservative and cover the shoulders and knees.
5. Somnath Temple, Prabhas Patan (Gujarat)
- Men: Traditional dhoti or trousers with a shirt. Western clothing should be modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Avoid revealing western attire.
6. Jagannath Temple, Puri (Odisha)
- Men: Dhoti or traditional attire. Western clothing should be modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Western attire should cover the shoulders and knees.
7. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu)
- Men: Dhoti or traditional attire with a shirt. Western attire should be modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Western clothing should be conservative and cover the shoulders.
8. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra (Jammu and Kashmir)
- Men: Casual or traditional attire. Western clothing should be modest.
- Women: Modest attire, ideally a saree or salwar kameez. Avoid short dresses and skirts.
9. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
- Men: Casual or formal attire is acceptable. Avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
- Women: Modest attire, preferably a saree or salwar kameez. Western attire should be conservative.
10. Hampi Virupaksha Temple, Hampi (Karnataka)
- Men: Traditional dhoti or trousers with a shirt. Western clothing should be modest.
- Women: Saree or salwar kameez. Western attire should be conservative and cover the shoulders and knees.